Richelean Tarrant Ables

Richelean Tarrant Ables

May 29, 1933 – April 30, 2022

And so, on May 29, 1933, the lovely life journey of Richelean Tarrant began in Bamberg, S.C, where she was born to the late Theodore, and Carrie Dowling Tarrant Sr. Richelean completed her life walk on April 30, 2022.

Richelean was affectionately known as "Rit" by her late husband and siblings and lovingly called "Mai" by her five children. Richelean was raised in Bamberg, S.C., and often spoke of her time learning at Richard Carroll Elementary School. She met the love of her life Erman James (E.J.) Ables of Orangeberg, S.C. Richelean, and E.J., a United States Airman, married on March 6, 1952. Richelean's brother, Marion Tarrant, introduced them to one another. Together they left Bamberg and embarked on an exciting and challenging journey, first as a military couple, then as a family. Richelean was the proud mother of Christine, Robert, Linda Sue, Barbara Ann, and William.

During the years of traveling across the U.S. and to Spain, Richelean gained experience in various occupations. She pieced watches on an assembly line at the Timex Watch factory, provided child care, and was a renowned food preparer. Richelean's greatest joy and pride was raising her children. Upon settling in Abilene, TX, in 1971, Richelean was employed by the Abilene Independent School District in several elementary school cafeterias after E.J.'s retirement. As much as she enjoyed serving the children and assisting her coworkers, Richelean retired in 1999.

Richelean has been a faithful member of Crescent Heights Baptist Church in Abilene, Texas, since 1971. Her church family will remember her wonderful smile, warm hugs, and love of hats and a coat, no matter the temperature! Richelean's love for the Lord and her spirituality was boundless.

To anyone who asked about Richelean's day, she continued to respond with an upbeat "Excellente!" Richelean enjoyed drawing, word search puzzles, embroidery, sewing, cooking, old television programs, and traveling.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Carrie Dowling Tarrant Sr., Sisters Bertha Washington, Julia Ann Tarrant, and Caretha Odom, her husband E.J., and cherished grandson, James Daniel Nix.

Richelean is survived by her children, Retired Texas Ranger Dr. Christine Abel Nix, Robert Abel and his wife, Karman, Linda Sue Abel Hundley, and her husband, Jeffery, Barbara Ann Abels McDonnell, and William Abel and his wife, Audra. Richelean was the proud Granny of Christina Nicole "Niki" Nix, Matthew Ronald Nix, Phillip Ryan McDonnell, Kristen Michele Abel, Lauren Michelle Abel-Alvarez, William David Abel, Samuel James Abel, Alexander Joseph De Miao, and Jonathan Michael Martinez; sisters, Mildred Breland and Jestine Kearse; and brothers Marion Tarrant and Theodore Tarrant Jr.; special family friends, Michelle Decker Abel and Ralph Ronald Nix and; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The family requests memorial contributions in Richelean's name be made to Crescent Heights Baptist Church in Abilene in place of flowers.

Our family wishes to express immense gratitude to the doctors and nursing staff at Hillcrest Baylor Scott and White Hospital, Dr. Christopher Grant – Scott and White Clinic, Fish Pond Road. We appreciate the care provided by the team at Greenview Manor Skilled Nursing facility, Connally-Compton (Waco, TX), and Carroll Mortuary (Bamberg, S.C.) funeral homes. In addition, Pastor Amos Humphries of Park Lake Drive Baptist Church, Waco, Thank you.

Richelean's visitation will be on Saturday, May 7, noon – 1 pm, Funeral service 1-2 pm, and repast afterward at Connally-Compton Funeral Home, 4400 West Waco Dr., Waco, TX.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For Thou art with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever (Psalms 23:4-6, KJV)".